FORD ADVANCES VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT WITH LIVE TV STREAMING, WI-FI HOT SPOTS
FORD IS REINVENTING THE WAY DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES WHILE ON THE ROAD, OFFERING NEW WAYS TO WIRELESSLY
STREAM LIVE TV AND LISTEN TO MUSIC IN ITS NEWEST SUVS.
These new features are a result of shifting trends toward streaming services, such as television shows, movies, music, podcasts and more. For example, one in three U.S. consumers currently listen to streaming music, according to trade association IFPI, with Generation Z and Millennials streaming at a more frequent rate.
In the all-new Expedition, coming this fall, an available Wi-fi hotspot supports as many as 10 devices at once—up to 50 feet from the vehicle—while an available dual-headrest rear-seat entertainment system provides a next-generation video experience that allows passengers to watch live TV via Slingplayer on either of two video screens. The system represents the first time Slingplayer, which connects to a user’s home Slingbox account, is offered in an automobile.
“This entertainment system creates an entirely new viewing experience in the vehicle,” said Craig Patterson, Ford Expedition brand marketing manager. “It brings the smart TV experience to Expedition. Together, they completely change the dynamic of a family road trip.”
Slingplayer is software embedded into the entertainment system that lets passengers connect to a home-based Slingbox system to watch and control the TV signal.
Passengers can use additional sources to view content, including a DVD player,
HDMI, USB and SD card. Passengers can watch content from their Android-based smartphone equipped with Miracast streaming. They can also stream video to the displays using the entertainment system app’s Smartstream function on compatible IOS or Android devices.
The new Expedition also offers stream-friendly technology including Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability, Siriusxm radio, an 8-inch touchscreen, and USB ports and power outlets that allow customers to connect and charge their many devices and listen to or watch content on-demand.
These media experiences are bolstered by the highquality audio of the available Ford-exclusive B&O PLAY Premium Audio System.